HOW TO MANAGE YOUR ADHD
The first and most important task that needs to be addressed once you have been
diagnosed with Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is coming to terms with
your symptoms and the extent to which they interfere with your day-to-day functioning.
Some college students with a history of ADHD have expectations that their “symptoms”
will disappear when they make the transition from high school to college. Others are
unaware that they have this disability or cluster of symptoms until they reach college.
Once transitioned to college, you may begin to struggle academically and/or personally
without the assistance of parents to prompt, remind, organize, tutor, prioritize or assist
you through feedback to help manage your life. At the time, it may have appeared to be
more annoying or “nagging” than helpful, but the challenge to continue these skills or
behaviors on your own may be overwhelming, which can in turn lead you to
“underachieve.”
Either way, developing compensatory strategies will help you to
succeed both academically and personally, and they are a critical component of treatment
with or without medication intervention.
Since ADHD can be a life long challenge, it is important to develop and practice effective
coping strategies early on in your college career. Like every new skill or habit, it will
take time for you to be successful with these changes. However, if you are experiencing
ADHD symptoms, it may take much longer to develop these habits consistently. One
strategy that may be helpful is keeping your expectations for change reasonable,
addressing several key behaviors that you want to change rather than all of them, and
maintaining a positive attitude about your ability to make change. Consider enlisting a
roommate, significant other, family member, academic coach/tutor or a CAPS therapist to
assist you as you tackle these challenges.
For Academic Success…
 Inside The Classroom…
 Attend classes and come prepared.
 Sit in the front of the class.
 Ask questions and engage in instructor-student interaction.
 Learn note-taking strategies.
 Request a lecture outline from your instructor.
 Use a tape recorder in class.
 Outside The Classroom…
 Keep up with all assigned readings and assignments.
 Purchase books on tape.
 Review written notes or listen to the tape of the lecture as soon as
possible after class.
 Team up with others and/or ask the instructor for clarification on
topics not well understood, or form a study group.
 Use color, symbols, and/or diagrams when reviewing notes.
 Plan study time well in advance and study over time.
 Study in a quiet and clutter-free environment.
 Write, recite, and remain active when studying.
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Break down large projects into manageable chunks, each with its
own deadline.
General Considerations…
 Do not overload yourself; consider taking a decreased class load.
 Schedule classes with reasonably lengthy breaks between them,
and vary them in subject matter and intensity.
 Plan two hours outside of class for every hour in class when
preparing for class, studying, or performing class assignments.
 Be aware of academic deadlines.
 Meet with your academic advisor on a biweekly or monthly basis.
 Seek academic support and/or accommodations well in advance.
 Ask for frequent feedback from your instructor.
For Personal Success…

Physical Well-Being…
 Eat healthy and maintain an exercise routine.
 Get adequate sleep.
 Do not engage in excessive alcohol and/or drug use.

Emotional Well-Being…
 Maintain positive attitude and notice your successes more than
your failures.
 Learn from your failures, rather than letting them depress or anger
you.
 Have a solid and consistent support system.
 Attend psychological/psychiatric counseling on a regular basis.
 Be sure to get treatment for any other underlying psychological
issues.
 Participate in activities you enjoy.
 Attend an ADHD support group or start one.

Occupational Well-Being…
 Choose jobs/careers which have a variety of different tasks each
day and that allow yourself to be in charge of yourself and your
time, but still has structure, quotas, and deadlines.
 Attend vocational/career counseling.
 Seek Vocational Rehabilitation Services in severe cases.
For Overall Success…

Become knowledgeable and comfortable with your disability, so you can
advocate for yourself, and recognize your limitations.

Maintain a POSITIVE attitude as you challenge your ineffective habits
and develop new skills

Use structure and routine in your personal life as well as academics

Since ADHD symptoms may result in an individual forgetting or not
completing tasks, DO NOT put it off!
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Keep one calendar with all relevant dates, assignments, and appointments,
to structure and organize all academic, occupational, and personal
activities and responsibilities.
Set realistic goals, commit to performance, and reward yourself when
completed.
Manage your time in a way that is consistent with your goals.
Take medications as prescribed.
Think before you speak, and reflect on the feedback others give you.
Take a realistic inventory of things you are good at and give yourself
credit for these strengths!
For additional information regarding ADHD, please refer to the following resources:
* Driven to Distraction by E.M. Hollowell, MD & J.J. Ratey, MD
* Survival Guide for College Students with ADD & LD by K. Nadeau
* ADD and the College Students by P. Quinn
* Succeeding in College with Attention Deficit Disorder, Issues, and Strategies for
Students, Counselors, and Educators by J. Bramer
* Hyperactive Children Grown Up by G. Weiss & L.Y. Hechtman
* Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults by L. Weiss
* The Hyperactive Child, Adolescent, and Adult by P. Wender
Contact Florida Tech’s Counseling & Psychological Services at (321) 674-8050 if you
would like to meet confidentially with a counselor to assist you in this area. The CAPS
website at http://www.fit.edu/caps/ has a variety of “Academic Success” resources.